Providing Microloans for the Poor in Tanzania

by Opportunity International
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Providing Microloans for the Poor in Tanzania
Providing Microloans for the Poor in Tanzania
Providing Microloans for the Poor in Tanzania

Project Report | Apr 4, 2013
Opportunity International's technology strategy in Tanzania

By Ian Haisley | Director of Online Strategy

Opportunity’s strategy maximizes technology to engage the poor in their own communities, bringing financial services: 1) Closer: Establishment of a distribution channel within one kilometer of a client’s home or business, 2) Wider: Cell phone and agent banking increase financial inclusion, 3) Safer: Cashless banking reduces clients risk of loss or theft and allows them to earn interest and 4) Cheaper: Opportunity utilizes emerging technologies and customer feedback while continuously reducing costs. Opportunity’s technology team:

  •  integrated mobile money systems deployed by mobile phone service providers to enable clients to access and repay loan funds with the cell phones;
  • migrated e-mail systems in Tanzania to cloud based systems (remote management, standardization and virtualization) to provide stability, integrity and rapid deployment capabilities;
  • transitioned the loan portfolio to the T24 eMerge banking system to facilitate the growth of cashless banking which provides low cost, secure banking to formerly disenfranchised Tanzanians;
  • maintained high client meeting attendance rate amidst mobile banking technology, indicating that clients value training and mentoring they receive in Trust Group meetings. 

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Organization Information

Opportunity International

Location: Chicago, IL - USA
Website:
Opportunity International
Opportunity International
Project Leader:
Opportunity International
Director of Online Strategy
Oak Brook , IL United States

Funded Project!

Combined with other sources of funding, this project raised enough money to fund the outlined activities and is no longer accepting donations.
   

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